CVE-2023-28630 : What You Need to Know

This CVE involves a vulnerability in GoCD, an open-source continuous delivery server. The issue allows sensitive information disclosure on misconfigured failed backups of non-H2 databases, potentially leaking database credentials.

Understanding CVE-2023-28630

GoCD versions from 20.5.0 up to, but not including, 23.1.0 are affected by this vulnerability. The misconfiguration of the server environment can lead to the unintentional exposure of database access credentials through admin alerts on the GoCD interface.

What is CVE-2023-28630?

The vulnerability arises when the GoCD server is improperly configured with enabled backups but lacks access to necessary PostgreSQL or MySQL backup tools. This results in the leakage of plaintext database passwords in server alerts, triggered by the failure to launch the required backup utility.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28630

This vulnerability poses a high confidentiality risk as sensitive database credentials can be exposed to unauthorized users. If not mitigated, it can lead to potential data breaches and unauthorized access to critical information stored in the databases.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28630

The following technical aspects are relevant to understanding and addressing CVE-2023-28630:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in GoCD allows for the insertion of sensitive database information into log files, leading to potential disclosure of credentials when backup failures occur on misconfigured servers.

Affected Systems and Versions

GoCD versions ranging from 20.5.0 to 23.1.0 are impacted by this vulnerability. Specifically, servers with non-H2 databases configured for backups are at risk if the necessary backup tools are not properly accessible.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is triggered by a lack of access to

pg_dump

or

mysqldump

utility tools on the GoCD server when attempting to back up the respective PostgreSQL or MySQL databases. Failure to launch these tools results in the disclosure of plaintext database passwords in server admin alerts.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-28630 and mitigate the associated risks, the following steps are recommended:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade GoCD to version 23.1.0 where the vulnerability has been fixed.
If upgrading is not feasible, disable backups on affected servers.
Ensure that the required

pg_dump

(for PostgreSQL) or

mysqldump

(for MySQL) binaries are available on the GoCD server to prevent the disclosure of sensitive information.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update server configurations to ensure proper access controls and secure setups.
Conduct routine security assessments to detect and address potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Educate administrators on best practices for securing database credentials and sensitive information.

Patching and Updates

Refer to the GoCD release notes and security advisories for information on future patches and updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in the future. Regularly applying security updates is crucial to maintaining a secure environment.

By following these mitigation techniques and security best practices, organizations can enhance the security posture of their GoCD servers and prevent sensitive information disclosure due to misconfigured backups.